Gargoyle Tour | Washington National Cathedral

Okay, the truth is, I was really psyched about the gargoyle tour at the Washington National Cathedral because I thought you would get to climb all over stuff and go up in balconies and see all these things other people (that aren't paying $10) don't get to see.  Well... no, it's not really like that.  The tour consists of a very knowledgeable volunteer docent showing a bunch of photos of the gargoyles and then a circumnavigation of the cathedral, straining your neck the whole time. On the plus side, there are some really cool gargoyles on the National Cathedral. national cathedral at sunset The tour begins on the 7th floor of the cathedral, which is a pretty cool place to be.  You don't have to pay to go up there - just go in the front doors and look for the elevators. washington national cathedral diptych hallway in the washington national cathedral I learned that a gargoyle is specifically made to direct water away from the facade of the building.  By definition, all gargoyles have water spouts through or over them - that's why you so often see a big grimacing mouth. gargoyle at sunset crocodile gargoyle at washington national cathedral gargoyle at the washington national cathedral Our tour group. the gargoyle tour group My totally awesome husband, in some beautiful sun-just-set light.  I told him this would be a gorgeous portrait if he were a girl.  It was all windy and stuff too, as you can see.  His hair is not *that* messy, people. my awesome husband at washington national cathedral So these cool bits that decorate arches and things are not gargoyles, but other decorative elements.  I have no idea what they're called.  But do you know the word quatrefoil?  You probably do because I do.  Why did they teach us this crap in school?  Who cares!?  I don't even want to know that there are three kinds of columns.  Why weren't they teaching us more math and science? little house at the national cathedral little face at the national cathedral And in case you're wondering if the 18-55mm "kit lens" that goes with the D80 all the time has good flare, you'd do well to look at this image.  That is to say, no, it doesn't.  I'm determined not to carry my new, expensive big camera around with me on non-client gigs, so I was stuck with the old digs. Cleveland Park neighborhood near national cathedral I also scoped out the beautiful Bishop's Garden on the cathedral grounds.  It would make a fantastic place for a little photo shoot, especially if paired with neighborhood-wandering in the surrounds.  Lots of beautiful little secret garden-looking spots and a bangin' arch.  I was showing George how I would pose a bride and groom and he said it was too sexy to do right next to a church!  This from the man that decided to grab my ass while half the tour group stood behind us! great place for a portrait shoot Anyway, cool place this National Cathedral.  I would come back for the regular self-guided tour any day.

Jimin & Teddy: Married! | Capitol Hill Club

A huge thank you to Cassidy DuHon for having me out to assist with Jimin and Teddy's family-filled and boisterous wedding at the Capitol Hill Baptist Church and Capitol Hill Club! Wedding and portrait photographer Amber Wilkie wedding program at the capitol hill baptist church I really liked Capitol Hill Baptist Church.  It was pretty big, but they had giant sliding wooden walls (on right) that separated different sections, giving a large church a more humble feel.  Plus, there was a great balcony to get in to take all kinds of photos from all kinds of angles. wedding ceremony at capitol Hill baptist church minister and bride and groom at capitol hill baptist church Plus, I'm a real sucker for broken symmetry, so I loved the backdrop these wooden walls provided. best man gives speech during church ceremony I loved how Jimin and Teddy incorporated their families into the ceremony.  There was a specific point for the parents of each to come up and hug their children.  It was a lovely moment. bride and groom hug parents of the bride There was also plenty of singing, with no small amount of audience participation. wedding guest sings during the ceremony at capitol Hill baptist exterior and interior of capitol hill baptist church Jimin's bridesmaids carried pink and lime green bouquets - what a great color combination! pink and green bridesmaid bouquet on stone stairs relatives watching on during the formal wedding portraits There were some real characters at this wedding. wedding guests pose for the camera at capitol hill club little boys sort through beer bottles at the reception Honest Abe was there, looking on with approval. bride and abraham lincoln, capitol hill club, washington, dc I really couldn't get enough of these presidential portraits at the Capitol Hill Club.  They gave a very regal feel to the sit-down dinner.   ronald reagan at the republic club of washington dc wedding favors during the dessert reception first dance at capitol hill club cutting the cake at the republican club of washington dc bride and a little boy at the republican club washington dc And then it was time to dance! little girl dancing at the wedding reception kids dancing at the wedding reception flower girl dancing at the capitol hill club flower girl and father dancing at the capitol hill club This was the coolest kid I have ever seen.  He was absolutely crazy on the dance floor and the crowd couldn't get enough!  Check out his rockin' moves! little boy dancing at the capitol hill club four dancing shots from capitol hill club Congratulations Jimin and Teddy!

Womens Health rally on the National Mall

I love protests.  Truth is, regardless of what people are protesting about, I love photographing the excitement, the signs, and the passion people bring to their rallies.  Working just a few steps from the National Mall, I have many opportunities to get down there and capture some of the spirit.  It's a double bonus when the rally is about something I believe in. I Stand with Planned Parenthood The conservative movement in Congress has been waging a fight against womens health recently and it's up to regular old women (and men) to put a stop to it.  You can sign a petition and find out more information right here. After attending the rally, though, I'm not the least bit worried about womens health in America.  Planned Parenthood got something like six Congressmen up on the stage to speak - even as our government prepares to shut down.  That's a big deal.  Now, without further ado, the images: